Medium-Sized Projects (MSPs) were introduced in 1996 to fill the gap between small pilots and large interventions, offering quicker, more flexible access to GEF resources. Yet their overall performance and contribution had not been systematically assessed until this evaluation.

The study used a mixed-methods approach that included country visits, case studies, stakeholder surveys, and milestone data analysis to review 121 MSPs approved by mid-2001.

Findings show that MSPs expand participation by governments, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions, and they generate benefits such as stronger partnerships, innovative approaches, and significant cofinancing.

At the same time, slow and inconsistent approval processes, limited attention to sustainability within two- to three-year cycles, and inadequate guidance on gender integration constrain their effectiveness. Stakeholders view MSPs as particularly valuable for partnership building and innovation, but further progress is needed to simplify procedures, strengthen country ownership, and enhance learning.

The report recommends expediting project processing, clarifying institutional roles, building the capacity of less experienced proponents, improving information dissemination, and developing systematic monitoring of MSP outcomes.